DR recommendations

[BassinCT]

So many people have contributed to the DR discussions in the past and I have read nearly all of them- thanks for sharing!

Here is where I am at this point- I have been using Sunbeams for two years on a six string I made for myself. The bass is already very lively in the midrange and has a single pickup located somewhere between a P & MM. 35" scale. While I'm reasonably satisfied with sunbeams, I'm interested in trying something different in the DR lineup and am seeking some guidance.

I don't slap and pop much; I like a smoother attack, but am not a fan of flatwound thud. Currently, I dial down the treble by 1/3 to take the edge off for jazz trio playing, theater stuff.

What I like about the Sunbeams:
- the smooth feel
- the lower tension; easy to play, especially for fretting hand
- very stable after a brief settling-in period
- nickel

What I would like in addition: (assuming some compromise)
- change of balance from mid-rich to a fuller low end
- a little more low punch when I do dig in

My former string of choice was D'Addario EXL170's. The XL170 tension is within my comfort zone, but I found them to have too much going on in the 1-2k range. What are your suggestions for alternatives? Are the DR hex-core choices higher in tension than the XL170's? Thanks for any input!
R

 

[mdogs]

Fat Beams, they are round core. Yes, the hex cores have higher tension, but to me they are not that high.

 

[PluckyThump]

Tone-wise the Fat Beams should give you what you want if you don't mind steel. Nickel Lo-Riders might work too, but imo they are still pretty thick in the mids. I don't think DR hex cores are any stiffer than the XLs.

 

[BassinCT]

Thanks- I appreciate the responses. I am addicted to the feel of the Sunbeams, but find myself taking the mids back in lower-volume gigs. It doesn't result in a "scooped" tone, but it puts in a better spot in the mix. In the guitar/bass/drums trio, the unfiltered mids don't sound as good with jazz guitar. The recording made a couple weeks ago on a zoom @10ft has the lows goosed at 100Hz, the mids cut and treble rolled off by 1/3 on the bass

http://soundcloud.com/bryanbass/05-there-will-never-be-another/s-oT6Tn

 

[mmbongo]

Nickel LoRiders will deliver what you're looking for, except that they are a little higher tension. Not too bad though.

 

[Samsound]

I just pulled the trigger on a set of these myself. Put some Sunbeams + a D'Addario .135 on a couple weeks ago. The .135 sounds a bit spongey to me, and while I like the Sunbeams, I like some emphasis on the lower mid-range for some greasy, deep tone. I went with the 45 - 130 Lo-Riders. We'll see how it goes...

 

[Mystic Michael]

What I would like in addition: (assuming some compromise)
- change of balance from mid-rich to a fuller low end
- a little more low punch when I do dig in

If you love the feel of Sunbeams, but you want a little more power & punch (and clarity) in the low end, Fat Beams are the ones to get.

MM

 

[BassinCT]

I will first try the Fat and then maybe the Low Riders to see how the mids balance on my bass. When accompanying a large gospel choir in the spring, the director commented "that bass was REALLY cutting through the mix", which prompted me to give it another listen in different contexts. It wasn't the treble, but the mids that he was hearing and I have since been compensating in those situations by playing closer to the neck. Thanks again for the replies.
R

 

[RedsFan75]

Got to throw this out...

Invalid Link Removed

He DOES do the Fatbeams on here, I'd originally said he hadn't, I was wrong.!

I think you'll like the Fatbeams too, they are one of my favorite strings.

 

[BassinCT]

Thanks- The last time I searched for that link, the page was not loading. This helps.

 

[tylerwylie]

Fat Beams are my favorite. Going to try Lo Riders and Hi Beams again too. Also really like Fodera nickel strings...like a brighter Sunbeam but still very flexible.

 

[funkybass]

Another vote for fat beams. My SR5 loves fat beams.

 

[matante]

So many people have contributed to the DR discussions in the past and I have read nearly all of them- thanks for sharing!

Here is where I am at this point- I have been using Sunbeams for two years on a six string I made for myself. The bass is already very lively in the midrange and has a single pickup located somewhere between a P & MM. 35" scale. While I'm reasonably satisfied with sunbeams, I'm interested in trying something different in the DR lineup and am seeking some guidance.

I don't slap and pop much; I like a smoother attack, but am not a fan of flatwound thud. Currently, I dial down the treble by 1/3 to take the edge off for jazz trio playing, theater stuff.

What I like about the Sunbeams:
- the smooth feel
- the lower tension; easy to play, especially for fretting hand
- very stable after a brief settling-in period
- nickel

What I would like in addition: (assuming some compromise)
- change of balance from mid-rich to a fuller low end
- a little more low punch when I do dig in

My former string of choice was D'Addario EXL170's. The XL170 tension is within my comfort zone, but I found them to have too much going on in the 1-2k range. What are your suggestions for alternatives? Are the DR hex-core choices higher in tension than the XL170's? Thanks for any input!
R

I would consider trying a thinner gauge of Sunbeams unless you're already using the lightest gauge.